On Monday I have the privilege of bringing No More Bandages! classes to CHOICES Eliminating Domestic Violence Shelter.
Although I did not utilize their services, the interaction I’ve had with them in these last few months have been eye opening.
I want to focus on these women. Their strength is amazing even if they don’t quite see it yet. They are much stronger than we give them credit.
Of course I could easily spout out statistics such as:
- Every 15 second seconds a woman is beaten by her husband or boyfriend.
- Between 25-45% of all battered women are abused during pregnancy
- Only 25% of women assaulted by their partners escape after the first assault.
- Between 2.1 and 8 million women are abused by their partners annually.
But let’s look at it from the woman’s point of view.
Why do women stay? Here are a few:
- Fear – the most common and understandable reason to stay
- Hope – hope that the abuser will change
- Responsibility – society places responsibility of marriage and family on the woman and she may feel responsible for the failure of the relationship.
- Economics – Don’t have the financial means to care for themselves.
And even if these women are able to get out of these relationships it is said that the next two years of their lives are the most dangerous. Some men would rather kill their wives then allow them to leave.
Domestic violence is not love, its control.
If you are in a violent situation, decide to take the first step to talk to someone. Decide to call CHOICES just to talk.
If you know someone, love them, encourage them, and give them the resources they need. Above all, remind them over and over again that it’s not their fault.
You can’t force anyone but you can help and be there. It’s not easy but you will be glad you did.
CHOICES -24 Hour Crisis & Information Hotline. (614) 224-HOME [4663]
Below is a song I love and it speaks to me every time I watch the video. We have to find encouragement from wherever we can. I pray it encourages you also. At some point we all have to find our “strength in the struggle.”
